Okay, maybe some of you guys are interested, and maybe some of you can clue me in...

I was at Software, Etc. over the weekend, and saw an X-Com collection for (I think) $9.99. It had three X-Com games in it. Not being familiar enough with the games, I didn't recognize the subtitiles -- I know that there have been several bad sequels, but I was wondering if any of these are worth picking up.

I also know that there might be people who think that three bad X-Com sequels for $9.99 is a good deal, just because they're X-Com.

Anyway, anyone know what's up with this? Should I invest? And, to those of you who might be interested, I wanted you to know that it's there. (Or at least, it's here...)

Get it.

That collection should feature:

"UFO Defense" (which is actually the first one), "Terror from the Deep" and "Apocalypse", which are the three turn-based "classic X-Com" games.

-Andrew

X-COM Collector's Edition contains the first three games: UFO Defense (the original), Terror From the Deep, and Apocalypse. The X-COM Collection (import only, I believe) included those three, plus X-COM Interceptor and X-COM Em@il.

The original is probably my favorite game ever. If you haven't played it, you are doing yourself a disservice and you are in for a treat. Here is a link to Mr. Chick's story about why it is great.

I never played much of TFTD, as it is pretty much just the first game with different graphics. I liked Apocalypse, too, though it received mixed reviews.

You might run into some speed problems with these games on a new machine, but doesn't the Collector's Edition contain MoSlo or something, too?

Thanks, guys. I'll probably pick this up this coming weekend. They had several copies on the "Under $15" rack, and I expect that they'll still be there.

Anyone want me to pick up a copy for them? I've never seen this collection before, so it makes sense that some of you might not have, either -- at least not for awhile.

Post here or email me and let me know if you're interested in me picking you up a copy. No promises to anyone, as I don't know how many copies they'll have...

There are some copies available on e-bay, as well, but they seem to be going for about $20. I could be able to make some money here...

Good going on finding that pack, Murph. It's a good one. IIRC, the nice thing is that they ported the original to W95 compatibility. $9.95 is a deal!

One of the things I will do as I gradually ease out of game writing and more and more into parenthood is take advantage of bundles like this. It's easier on the wallet, and you don't have to hunt down the original releases.

Better yet, most gold editions come with all the patches and add-ons. Except for some of the LucasArts classics I see...some have the expansion packs thrown in, but some don't, and in a lot of cases, the box doesn't exactly specify...like with Jedi Knight.

I noticed that Electronics Boutique had gotten in a bunch of the Collector's Editions as well. There must have been a pocket of them found in a warehouse when Hasbro sold out to Infogrames. I recently got the Total Annihilation Core Contingency expansion for $3.00 at EB. Another likely Infogrames warehouse find.

If I'm not mistaken, this contains the Win9x version of the original X-Com. The same one that was on PC Gamer's disc with 10 free old games some time ago. Watch out if you have an NVIDIA card, they do NOT like that Win9x X-Com. I haven't gotten that to work yet (though I haven't tried too hard either). Speaking of old games and getting them running, I pulled out System Shock a few days ago and couldn't get it going on WinME. It crashed to desktop when starting a new game. "Your system has been shocked!" "Salt the fries!"

If I didn't already own all three in their original form, boxes and all, I would grab it.

I've noticed a number of really good prices and deals lately. Maybe I'll whip up a bargain bin thread here later tonight. My first stop in the EB is always that $15 and under rack and the second stop is usually the pre-owned PC games. Only then do I look at the new releases...

--Dave

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you have graphics trouble when trying to play xcom on your fancy new card, I have a solution for that. Try going into the system properties (via right-click on my computer) and turn your hardware acceleration slider down a notch or two. It'll clear up the way the screen freaks out.

"We come in peace... now shut up and get on the table"

We don't have EB here in St. Louis, unfortunately. I always hear about the bargain bin stuff and wish we did.

Having worked for EB for a couple years as a manager, I found that hard to believe... so I checked. (EB has like 700 stores in the US)

There's one 21 miles from St. Louis in Alton Square,IL. Given that they're a discounter, it's probably worth your trip. The used games alone can make it worth your time.

--Dave

Man, Alton's a "fur piece" as my relatives would say. It's longer than 21 miles when you consider that it's 21 miles to the Eastern edge of St. Louis.

It's a good 30 minute drive without traffic, and 45 minutes with traffic. I can't imagine going there without knowing specifically what they have in the bargain bin.

The Toys Backwards "R" Us in downtown Chicago also has the X-Com collection for $10 in the bargain bin. So if there's one of those closer to you in St. Louis than Alton, it may be worth checking out.